Chapter 23

"Well... I remember, didn't the daughter of Marcel, whom I sent as an envoy, commit an act of disrespect?"

After finishing the greetings, Granado brought up the topic as if he had just remembered. The subject was Mertina Marcel, the daughter of the prime minister. Mertina had been sent to the frontier city as an envoy to bring Raidor to the capital, but she was now being held for attempting to curse and restrain Raidor. Her custody was still in the frontier city, where she had been thrown into the dungeon of the adventurer's guild managed by Zaphis.

"Yes, I did not wish to detain the daughter of the prime minister, Lord Marcel, but given the circumstances, I had to take her into custody. If Lord Marcel wishes, I intend to release her and return her to you."

"…No, that is not necessary."

In response to Raidor's calm inquiry, Lockwood answered without changing his expression.

"My daughter committed an act that is not permissible as a servant of the Zain royal family. Since it was done out of a fervent desire to save the country, she is not in a position to plead for her life. Please judge her as you see fit, Your Highness."

"Hmm, if that's what Lord Marcel says, I will do as you wish... Is it really all right? She is a precious daughter you have raised with your own hands?"

Raidor raised an eyebrow, his lips curling in a sly manner. Lockwood, however, maintained his stern composure and answered calmly.

"Of course, Your Highness. My daughter is no longer a member of the Marcel family. Do with her as you please."

"…Ah, understood. I will do as I please."

Raidor sniffed, uninterested. If Lockwood had tried to defend Mertina, it would have been a perfect opportunity to accuse the prime minister of disrespect to the royal family and bring him down. If Lockwood were to be punished, it would have slightly weakened the power of his brother, King Granado. However, it seemed that things would not go so smoothly.

(Well, I knew this man would be capable of sacrificing his own family for the sake of the country. It's not surprising.)

Raidor sighed inwardly and quickly changed his mindset.

"Then, brother. What is the reason you have called me back to the capital?"

Although he had already heard the explanation from Mertina and Daren Galst, Raidor deliberately asked the question. Granado's single eyebrow twitched at the direct question.

"Regarding that... I believe you have already heard, but the eastern Arslane Empire has invaded and attacked the Zain Kingdom."

"……"

"The empire has a larger army than ours, and to make matters worse, the Holy Sword wielder is among the invaders. The key fortress, Balmes, has already fallen, and a third of the kingdom is under their control. General Galst is holding back the enemy, but if this continues, the fall of the kingdom is only a matter of time."

"So… what do you want me to do, brother?"

As he asked, Raidor clenched his fists tightly. The tips of his nails dug into his palms, causing a sharp pain, but he did not loosen his grip.

(Well, how will you play this? This is our last turning point, isn't it?)

If Raidor and Granado could reconcile and join hands, this would be their last chance. If Granado were to bow and apologize, perhaps the deep rift between them could be somewhat bridged.

However, if Granado were to say what Raidor expected, the bond between the brothers would be completely severed, and reconciliation would be impossible.

That's why Raidor held his breath, waiting for his brother's words. But—what came out of Granado's mouth was a heartless statement that extinguished all hope.

"Raidor Zain, wielder of the Holy Sword. Take up the Dain Slave and fight the empire to save the Zain Kingdom!"

"…!"

Raidor clenched his teeth and closed his eyes tightly. In that moment, the last remnants of his feelings for his brother were shattered.

Granado had exiled Raidor to the frontier to reign as king and out of jealousy for the Holy Sword. Now, without apologizing or trying to mend their relationship, he was using his authority as king to unilaterally demand that Raidor fight for the country. Their relationship was no longer that of brothers but of user and used, master and slave.

(So... Granado no longer sees me as his brother. He only sees me as a useful pawn.)

Raidor's heart turned cold, as if a block of ice had been thrown into it. Memories of the intimate days he spent with his brother in childhood flashed through his mind, but they quickly faded into the recesses of his memory and disappeared.

(If that's how you see it, I won't show any mercy. I will take back what was taken from me and crush those who took it! I won't let anyone take away my place again!)

With a burning resolve, Raidor raised his head.

You think you can control me?

Don't be ridiculous!

A king who was not chosen by the Holy Sword, a petty king who gave up the Holy Sword out of jealousy for his brother—how can he possibly control me?

In Raidor's eyes, the throne before him was no longer just a seat; it was a place to be taken.

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